Consensus arrangement for ward congress not acceptable, Lagos APC group tells party, says GAC is illegal body

A group of the All Progressives Congress (APC) in Lagos State “APC Democrats” said the alleged consensus arrangement by the Governor’s Advisory Council (GAC) on ward congress slated for Saturday was aimed at confusing a majority members of the party to accept pre-determined names.

In a statement, the state chairman APC Democrats, Fouad Oki, said the Governor’s Advisory Council (GAC) is an illegal body not known to the constitution of the party and it cannot decide, direct or make any pronouncement on the mode of conduct of ward congress or any policy or constitutional issue regarding the APC.

The group further stated that the only recognised organ of the party saddled with a function to deliberate and take decision such as an option on the type or mode to be adopted for congress is the state caucus.

It said the party organs and composition of party organs is clearly enshrined in our constitution in line with Articles 11: sub section (1 – x III) and 12.9 of the APC Constitution 2014 (amended).

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The group said a Tea Party constituted by an individual and foisted on members of the party is immoral, illegal, null, void and of no consequence whatsoever.

The group said it is trite that legal process is abused when a few individuals take advantage and interpret the party constitution for a different purpose other than for what it has been intended or designed for. That is why a rush decision was taken by a foreign component unknown to the constitution to direct the rubber stamp Caretaker Committee led by another lame duck personality to hurriedly call a stakeholder meeting in order to force down the throat of members of the party sham consensus agreement.

“It is sad that the Caretaker Committee Chairman, Alhaji Tunde Balogun in cahoots with some individuals have hijacked the collection of nomination forms from the people sent to Lagos to carry out the exercise of collection and submission of forms to contest for positions in the ward congress. The team has been in Lagos since Friday 23rd July 2021, this is in breach of the mandate issued by the National Caretaker Committee of the party.
“Indeed, it is laughable that Alhaji Tunde Balogun is pressuring the nomination form collection and submission team from Abuja to handle over to him all the forms sent to Lagos in order to deny others from accessing the forms. However, unknown to him, the National Secretariat of the party has been gracious to accept from our members the payment tellers (proof of payment) and has appropriately given forms to all our members who have purchased forms at the Bank.

“Any attempt to endorse consensus arrangement for the congress vide the directive of the so-called GAC is an exercise in futility as the National Secretariat of the Party has replied to my letter on the issues of consensus,” the group said.

They urge Alhaji Tunde Balogun and his GAC ilk to check with the National Secretariat its decision on elective congress option in line with Article 20 of the APC Constitution and its declaration on the rejection of consensus arrangement in Lagos, Ogun, Osun, Ekiti and several other states where there are factions.

“It is pertinent to let members know that the ward congress slated for 31st July, 2021, will definitely hold in Lagos State in strict compliance with the congress guideline that has been made available to party members nationwide. The guideline would be strictly enforced in the state to ensure fair participation by all members who can vote and be voted for.

“APC Democrats are well prepared for the congress, as you know, we have been on this battle for emancipation of our party in Lagos State since the last three years. We urge our party members in the state to come out and participate fully,” they added.

The group appeal to all members of the party to eschew bitterness and ensure peaceful conduct of the congress, that there was no going back on the congress.